Airlines cancel flights after snowstorm

DENVER - Denver airport officials said hundreds of flights have been cancelled ahead of a snowstorm expected to dump nearly a foot of snow in the area.

A Denver International Airport spokesperson says snow removal crews are continuing to work through the duration of the storm.

Pena Boulevard has been treated with chemicals and now is a bit snowy and icy.

Denver Police issued an accident alert for Pena Boulevard on Sunday. That means if anyone is involved in an accident with no injuries, police ask that drivers simply exchange insurance information.

Nine tow trucks are ready and available on Pena Boulevard. Runways are clear and open.

DIA is prepared with more than 250 pieces of snow removal equipment and approximately 500 trained snow removal personnel.

The airlines will be deicing all day Sunday, which means that passengers may be on the plane a little longer before take-off. However, passengers should plan on being at the gate when their boarding pass states.

The FAA is reporting delays of up to 2.5 hours.

Airlines have reported approximately 200 departure and arrival cancellations, which is expected to hold steady Sunday. Denver International Airport averages 1,700 departure and arrival flights a day, and on the weekends there are fewer flights.

DIA urges travelers to check their flight status before heading out to the airport with their airline or on www.flydenver.com. Be sure to allow extra time when heading to the airport. A good rule of thumb is to be inside the airport two hours prior to your flight departure time.

DIA recommends passengers download the free FlySmart travel app for the Blackberry, iPhone and Android. FlySmart Airport is the only travel app that features content downloaded directly from www.flydenver.com.